Pack extra supplies and be prepared for some waits along Island highways this long weekend with the combination of high traffic volumes and ongoing road works contributing to an expected slow down. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

pack patience

Island highways poised to be extra busy over September long weekend

Sep 1, 2023 | 12:17 PM

NANAIMO — Expect delays. An Island mantra attributable to travel by water or land for any given long weekend.

While local sailings on both ferry companies are filling up fast, or already full, highways on Vancouver Island are set to be extra busy thanks to ongoing construction efforts and a high spike in traffic volumes.

Work wrapped on Hwy. 4 at Cameron Lake on Thursday, Aug. 31 with two-way traffic flowing for the first time since early June.

Despite no work being planned, several other major projects will at least slow down traffic through dormant construction zones including a large-scale paving project along Hwy. 19 near Nanoose and Lantzville.

Also causing headaches, even though no work will happen over the next few days, is the Tunnell Hill project along the Malahat Hwy. near Victoria.

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Tools were put down at 12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 however construction zone speed limits will remain in effect.

Over 120,000 vehicles are expected through the corridor between Friday and Monday with the biggest volumes expected Friday afternoon and evening, Saturday on either side of 12 p.m. as well as both Sunday and Monday afternoon.

“Significant traffic congestion is expected along the corridor this Labour Day long weekend, due to the busy end-of-summer travel season,” the province advised in a release. “For a smoother journey, drivers are encouraged to consider leaving early in the morning or later in the evening when traffic is anticipated to lighten.”

Environment Canada is no longer forecasting any rainfall over the long weekend for most areas of Vancouver Island, however any such precipitation could complicate things further.

Wet roads are believed to be at blame for a pair of crashes during light showers in Nanaimo earlier this week.

“In the foreseeable future, all drivers should be prepared for slick conditions,” Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said. “When the rains come after long periods of drought, the rain mixed with oils on the roads can make for unpredictable slippery conditions.”

On the water, BC Ferries have had to cancel a handful of sailings between Duke Point and Tsawwassen due to a maintenance issue on a vessel.

Hullo fast ferries between downtown Nanaimo and Vancouver have added some sailings for the long weekend, going back up to their originally scheduled four round trips daily.

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